Asylum seekers held at sea to be 'taken to Australian mainland’

Tamil asylum seekers held at sea by Australian authorities for weeks are believed to be on their way to the Australian Territory of the Cocos Islands.

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SBS has obtained what is thought to be the first photo of a boat that left India bound for Australia, carrying 153 Tamil asylum seekers. (SBS)

The government has confirmed that 157 Tamil asylum seekers held at sea by Australian authorities for weeks will be brought to Australia.

Immigration Minister confirmed the group, which includes children, will be brought to Australia where they will be given Indian consular assistance.

"It is our intention those who can be returned should and must be returned," Mr Morrison said.

"They won't remain in Australia. They will not be resettled in Australia."

Indian officials have agreed to take back any of its citizens and will consider taking back any Sri Lankan people onboard.

Mr Morrison, who finalised the deal with the Indian government this week, said the people on board were recieving "excellent care".

A source on Cocos Island has told SBS News that the island was preparing for the arrival of a customs vessel and that Australian government employees have been calling to book accommodation on the island.

The source says the arrival of a plane has been delayed.

Members of the Australian Tamil community say they expect a boat carrying the 157 Tamil asylum seekers to arrive at 6pm local time.

The decision pre-empts the hearing of a High Court challenge against the government's decision to hold the asylum seekers at sea after their boat was intercepted by Australian border protection authorities in late June.

- With AAP


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By Thea Cowie


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